The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has announced the 12 finalists for the World Video Game Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. This year’s nominees include a mix of arcade classics, esports titles, and handheld games. Fans can participate in the voting process until March 13, with the top three selections counting as one collective ballot submission.

The 2025 finalists are Age of Empires, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Angry Birds, Frogger, Golden Tee Golf, GoldenEye 007, Harvest Moon, NBA 2K, Mattel Football I, Tamagotchi, and Quake. According to Jon-Paul C. Dyson, director of The Strong’s International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the finalists showcase gaming history from pioneering arcade titles to massively popular mobile games. The official inductees will be revealed at a ceremony on May 8 at the World Video Game Hall of Fame’s new location within The Strong National Museum of Play.

Among the nominees, Mattel Football I, released in 1977, is recognized as the first major handheld electronic game, paving the way for future portable gaming devices like the Game Boy. Similarly, Rovio’s 2009 mobile hit, Angry Birds, which has been downloaded billions of times, continues to influence the gaming industry through its spin-off games, merchandise, and films.

Esports has also played a significant role in this year’s nominations. The 1989 arcade golf game Golden Tee: Fore! introduced tournament play in 1995, while NBA 2K, first released in 1999, led to the formation of an official esports league. Additionally, Quake, known for its first-person shooter feature and 3D engine, set a standard for competitive gaming.

Tamagotchi, which debuted in 1996, introduced the concept of digital pets, blending video games with interactive toys. It later resurfaced as a mobile app in 2013, maintaining its cultural relevance. Other classic arcade titles like Frogger and Defender, both released in 1981, showed the appeal of more complex and challenging gameplay. Frogger’s legacy was further cemented with a reference in a 1998 episode of Seinfeld.

Strategy games are also represented in this year’s lineup, with Microsoft’s 1997 Age of Empires recognized as a best-selling PC title still enjoyed by players worldwide. Harvest Moon, released in 1996, provided a non-combat alternative to action-heavy games, influencing later farming simulation games.

GoldenEye 007, a 1997 first-person shooter developed by Rare and Nintendo, is making its third appearance as a finalist. The game is remembered for its multiplayer mode and impact on console shooters. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the 2007 installment of Activision’s long-running franchise, is credited with reshaping the military shooter genre and establishing modern online multiplayer features.

Each year, the World Video Game Hall of Fame receives thousands of nominations for arcade, console, computer, and handheld games. Finalists are chosen based on their longevity, influence, geographic reach, and impact on game design and pop culture. The final inductees are selected by an international committee of experts, with public votes factoring into the decision.